Rich and silky homemade chocolate pudding is easy to make from scratch and incredible with a scoop of fresh whipped cream and chocolate shavings on top.
Trust me on this one, homemade chocolate pudding is WORTH THE EFFORT. You’ll never find a creamier, richer pudding experience than this one right here.
And by the way, speaking of effort? There’s little to none where this chocolate pudding is concerned. You can have it done and in the fridge chilling in a matter of 10 minutes.
I mean, you’d have to be nuts not to want to just live in that dreamy bowl up there. Let’s get into the pudding business already…
This Chocolate Pudding features…
- A smooth and creamy texture
- Lots of chocolate flavor
- Ready in minutes and great to make ahead of time
Making the Chocolate Pudding
(scroll down to the bottom of the post for the full recipe)
Ingredients You Will Need
- Egg yolks
- 2% or skim milk
- Heavy whipping cream
- Cornstarch
- Bittersweet chocolate
- Cocoa powder
- Vanilla extract
- Kosher salt
Choosing Your Chocolate
You will need 4 oz bittersweet chocolate for this chocolate pudding. I recommend going with a high-quality chocolate bar and hand chopping it yourself into fine pieces.
A good rule of thumb with chocolate pudding is that the better your chocolate bar is, the better your pudding will be, so I recommend splurging on a high-quality chocolate brand if possible.
Tips for Perfect Chocolate Pudding
- Heat milk, cream, and sugar – allow these ingredients to heat just until steaming, do not let it boil otherwise the mixture may break.
- Temper egg yolks – slowly whisk a small amount of hot milk mixture into egg yolks to temper them and prevent scrambling before adding all back to saucepan to cook until thickened.
- Whisk chocolate in offheat – the residual heat from the pudding will melt the chocolate.
- Strain pudding – use a fine-mesh sieve to strain pudding to get rid of any lumps.
- Chill pudding before serving – I recommend chilling pudding 2 hours before serving so it can set up a bit.
- Press plastic wrap directly on pudding for chilling – this will prevent a skin from forming on top.
Recipe Variations
Try these ideas for a different twist on this chocolate pudding.
- Use another chocolate – try using milk chocolate or dark chocolate.
- Add spices – add a few shakes of cinnamon, nutmeg, or cloves.
- Add more toppings – serve chocolate pudding with suggested whipped cream or top with fresh fruit, crushed oreos, or a drizzle of caramel sauce.
That boxed pudding garbage has absolutely NOTHING on this homemade chocolate-y goodness! This is seriously the most luscious, silky chocolate pudding you will ever have the pleasure of digging a spoon into.
Word to the wise: don’t skimp on the whipped cream + chocolate shavings on top. You’ve gotta go all out.
Save this recipe using the ‘save to recipe box’ button below. If you make it, please let us know! Leave a comment + star rating below, or take a photo and tag it on Instagram with #wholeandheavenlyoven.
More chocolate favorites you need to try next!
Homemade Chocolate Pudding
This recipe may included paid links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.
Ingredients
- 3 large egg yolks
- 2-1/2 cups milk
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar
- 1/3 cup cornstarch, mixed with 1/3 cup water
- 4 oz bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped
- 3 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt
- Sweetened whipped cream and chocolate shavings for serving
Instructions
- Place eggs yolks in a small bowl and lightly beat until smooth. Set aside.
- Combine milk, heavy cream, and sugar in a medium saucepan and heat over medium heat until steaming. Slowly drizzle 1 cup warm milk mixture into egg yolks, beating constantly until smooth.
- Add egg yolk mixture and cornstarch-water mixture to saucepan and cook over medium heat, whisking occasionally until bubbly and thickened.
- Remove pudding from heat and whisk in chocolate, cocoa powder, vanilla, and salt until chocolate is melted. Strain pudding through a fine-mesh sieve into a bowl and immediately press plastic wrap on the surface.
- Chill pudding 2 hours in refrigerator until cold. When ready to serve, spoon pudding into serving glasses and top with whipped cream and chocolate shavings. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
This post was updated with new recipe adjustments and photos on 5/1/25.
Jennifer S. says
I agree. Homemade pudding wins over boxed pudding any day. I can’t remember the last time I bought pudding in a box.
Sarah says
Pudding in a box = Sooo not worth it! Thanks Jennifer!
Fran Marie says
Where does one get coconut sugar?
Sarah says
Hi, Fran! Coconut sugar can usually be found in the health food section in most large grocery stores. You could also purchase it online. If you can’t find it anywhere, brown sugar would be a fine substitute. Hope this helps!
Sadia says
How much brown sugar sholud be added in it
Same amount?
Sarah says
Yes, the same amount, Sadia! 🙂
Renew Your Space says
Wow – what a process! It looks so melt-in-your-mouth delicious!!
Sarah says
Thanks, Renee! It’s just as delicious as it looks, I promise you! 😉
Pamela @ Brooklyn Farm Girl says
Pudding at 9 AM, you live a glorious life! This looks amazing!
Sarah says
Haha! Thanks so much, Pamela! 🙂
Regina Partain says
Hi Sarah. This looks great. I haven’t made home made pudding in years. (or the other kind either). But I do love home made pudding. It is soooo much better than the box stuff. Honestly, though, it really is hard to give it the cool down time. I envy your siblings getting to clean the pan. lol
Sarah says
Haha totally agree with you, Regina. and yes, my siblings have the best job ever! 😉
Gloria // Simply Gloria says
Sarah, definitely love homemade pudding. (I simply can’t eat the box kind!) I have to say, I’m loving your pictures!
Sarah says
Wow, that compliment means a lot coming from an amazing photographer like yourself! 😀 Thanks so much Gloria!
Shannon {Cozy Country Living} says
Homemade pudding is the best! This looks wonderful!
Sarah says
Totally agree with you—Thank you, Shannon!
Angela says
This sounds fantastic!!! Just pinned, can’t wait to try this! Not a fan of giving my kids boxed fake flavored stuff, so glad I found this recipe!
Sarah says
Thanks for pinning, Angela! I hope you’ll let me know how your kids like this pudding! 🙂